For more than 30 years, the SMU-in-Taos program has offered educational experiences enhanced by the bountiful cultural and natural resources of northern New Mexico. It’s here that experiences become the classroom. Instead of reading about the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, students stand at the site of the famous siege. Archaeology comes alive as students excavate buried materials. At the SMU-in-Taos campus, students become part of history.
SMU-in-Taos thrives as a center for academic discovery, experiential learning and scholarly research. Courses are offered in anthropology, geology, biology, art history, music, music history, photography, painting, sculpture, literature and history. Wellness courses include hiking, biking, river rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding and fly fishing.
The campus is also a coveted venue for alumni programs, special studies and retreats. Its potential as a field school for research in historical, social and scientific studies, and for inspiring creative work by professors, students, visiting artists and writers is unsurpassed in the nation.
Your friendship counts
The SMU-in-Taos program is in the midst of a four-year strategic growth plan to improve and enhance this center of creative inspiration. As a Friend of SMU-in-Taos, your contributions will allow us to fully develop the potential of this truly unique program. Learn more about the strategic plan.
Your contributions will help:
- Increase Scholarships – enable more undergraduate students to take advantage of this center for academic discovery.
- Strengthen Curriculum – expand for-credit courses, as well as other educational programs that make use of the unique environment of the campus, and foster collaborative teaching in ways not attainable on SMU’s campus in Dallas.
- Expand Facilities – add student and faculty housing as well as a new campus center in a way that avoids damage to the area’s delicate environment.
Support the experience. Share SMU-in-Taos. Contact us to receive more information.
Benefits
As a Friend of SMU-in-Taos, you will receive:
- Invitations to exclusive Friends of SMU-in-Taos educational and social events
- Early registration for the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute weekend
A campus as inspiring as its setting...and you can be a part of it.
Annual Contribution Levels
- Explorer – $1,000 annually for the next 3 consecutive years = $3,000 total commitment
- Ranger – $5,000 annually for the next 3 consecutive years = $15,000 total commitment
- Pathfinder – $10,000 annually for the next 3 consecutive years = $30,000 total commitment
About the SMU Cultural Institute
July 2005 marked the initial offering of courses through the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute. The Cultural Institute’s adult courses are two- and three-day sessions that focus on topics related to northern New Mexico and the Southwest. Taught by SMU faculty members, these courses enable adults to join small group study sessions led by area experts.
About the Campus
SMU-in-Taos is located on 300 acres in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. The restored 19th century Fort Burgwin compound and the 13th century Pot Creek Pueblo archaeological site are both unique and priceless. Since 1955 SMU-in-Taos has seen significant anthropological research and publication; its diverse curriculum of undergraduate courses began in 1972.